
Leïla Slimani, Franco-Moroccan novelist, is today one of the most influential voices in Francophone literature. Crowned with the 2016 Goncourt Prize for Chanson douce, she concludes the final installment of her trilogy The Country of Others with J’emporterai le feu at the beginning of this year. This saga, inspired by her own family history, is accompanied by a strong commitment, both in the political and cultural fields. Slimani embodies a bold and free figure, transcending literary and identity boundaries.

A Masterful Trilogy at the Heart of Moroccan History
With J’emporterai le feu, Leïla Slimani closes a family saga spanning three generations, exploring the upheavals of 20th-century Morocco. This work, which begins with The Country of Others, tells the story of Mathilde, an Alsatian married to Amine, a Moroccan, in a post-colonial context fraught with tensions. Through the intertwined destinies of their descendants, Slimani addresses universal themes such as the quest for freedom, transmission, and identity conflicts.
In this final volume, she depicts the dilemmas of Mia and Inès, symbols of a Moroccan youth torn between modernity and traditions. Her writing, precise and vibrant, captures the intimacy of the characters while reflecting broader societal issues. Slimani establishes herself as a true chronicler of the human soul and historical transformations.
An Assertive and Independent Political Voice
Leïla Slimani’s commitment goes beyond the pages of her novels. In 2017, she was appointed Emmanuel Macron’s personal representative for Francophonie. She advocates for the French language as a tool for intercultural dialogue and freedom of expression. However, Slimani refuses any political compromise. This is evidenced by her refusal of a ministerial position, which she declined in the name of her independence.
In her native country, Morocco, her fight is more delicate. She advocates for women’s rights, gender equality, and individual freedoms, particularly those of sexual minorities. These bold stances, often controversial in a conservative society, make her a figure both admired and criticized.
A Woman at the Crossroads of Cultures
Slimani embodies a bridge between Europe and Africa. Daughter of a high-ranking Moroccan official and an Alsatian mother, she claims a plural identity. This dual belonging nourishes her works, as well as her personal journey. Tired of the hectic pace of Paris, she recently moved to Lisbon, a city she describes as a source of serenity and inspiration. This voluntary exile reflects her need for balance, between rootedness and openness to the world.
Literature as a Lever for Social Transformation
For Slimani, writing is more than a profession: it is a mission. She conducts reading workshops in prisons, convinced that culture can transform lives and offer a new perspective. Her style, accessible yet impactful, appeals to a wide audience. She sees literature as a powerful weapon against injustice and oblivion. With J’emporterai le feu, she pays tribute to her father, a complex man whose downfall marked her youth. Through him, she questions the notion of heritage, both personal and collective.

A Free and Inspiring Figure
If Leïla Slimani fascinates, it is also because of her audacity and modernity. She rejects labels and claims an unapologetic feminism. An intellectual heir of Simone de Beauvoir, she also draws inspiration from popular icons like Madonna, whom she admires for their freedom of expression.
Some criticize her for her media omnipresence. But Slimani, with her candor, fully assumes her role in the public space. She embodies a generation of committed writers, aware of their social responsibility.
Between Literary Horizons and New Challenges
Leïla Slimani does not intend to stop there. While J’emporterai le feu is already receiving rave reviews, she is exploring new projects. Different literary genres, artistic collaborations, and ongoing work to promote Francophonie are among her ambitions.
At 42, she establishes herself as an essential writer, whose career combines literary success and civic engagement. With her, words are never neutral: they resonate, provoke, and transform.